Just Another Day

Unscripted conversation in this episode. Things I talk about:

*A finish: Scrappy Trips

*My bucket list quilt

*What's up for the long arm

*A little knitting*Back to reading

*Doggie Update

*Holiday Ball

Until next time......

FMQ'ing and A-Longs

A new year and what better way to start it by participating in free motion quilting (FMQ) groups and alongs! Nothing like having to be accountable. This will help me in my desire to improve my FMQ and to finish some of my UFO's and WIPs. As you may know, or not, have pledged to participate in the FMQ Challenge 2012, FMQ along w/Leah Day and the finish along being hosted by Rhonda of "Quilter in the Gap" podcast. Although I haven't finished anything this quarter, my first will be my "Sushi At Christmas" wallhanging. I am in the process of quilting it now. I am stabilizing the top first. In the white areas I will be meandering, in the green and red areas I plan to attempt feathers. Finally, the border will be a feather design as well. That's a very big step for a beginner to do. It won't be perfect, but I can say that I did it.

FMQ Challenge 2012-My Leaves

Let's Wiggle-Leah Day

** Just remember, I am learning.

I also purchased a DVD by Patsy Thompson for FMQing. The DVD is, "Fast and Free Vol 0.5". Can I just mention that I love this DVD so far. In the video she discusses machine set up, basic patterns moving into more complicated designs for the beginner. She does this by adding variations to the basic design. I will be buying the next two volumes in the series! If you are interested, you can get information here:http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/

Here is a pic of the top I completed. It has a pinwheel block as a secondary design. You can find the find the information in McCall's Quilting, America Loves Scraps, Winter 2011/2012. The design is "Le Jardin Cerise", by Gerri Robinson. I used "1862 Battle Hymn" jelly roll by Moda. I purchased some yardage from the era for the backing. I don't have a name for my top yet..the jury is still out.

The Christmas Baltimore Album BOM has started. I am now tracing the pieces onto Steam-A-Seam Lite. I have to admit, I did toy with the idea of needle turn applique, but quickly changed my mind. I would like to finish this in my lifetime!! There will be a difference in the look of the blocks..the images will be reverse. The pattern was not designed for fusible applique, so the images were not printed in reverse orientation.

I have a knitting project to complete, 3x's a Charm Thermis for my sister. Completing the second buttonhole now. Then I will finish with a few more rows of 1x1 ribbing, cast off, add buttons and call it done. I should finish by this weekend.

I am also working on my HPKCHC assignment. I chose "Arithmancy" for which you have to knit a tessellating design. I saw a blanket made from fish shapes. So, that's what I am doing for January. The design is by April from OK. Here is a pic of my fish. I will make six and use it as some sort of pad/coaster.

Once I complete the fish, my plan is to attempt to make my first pair of mittens. I also plan to make a "Thorpe" hat. I'll see how that goes.

Appropriate for a ADD crafter, I am planning to warp an 8/8 design on my warping board. The colors will be burgundy and gold. One of my groups on Ravelry, "Warped Weavers" is having a pinwheel weave along. I just happen to have the current issue of Handwoven magazine. (I subscribe) In the magazine there are 8 drafts for a pinwheel design. I will be using option 2. I will be weaving on my Baby Wolf.

Well that's about it for this post.

Until next time..............

PS: Not sure what's up with the Font sizes..can't seem to correct it. I have tried several times, oh well.

The Purpose of 3

I had a good week. My "SewEzi" table was delivered on Wednesday. I purchased 2 plexiglass inserts. It was easy to assemble. This will be the home of my Brother Nouvelle 1500. Unless I need to use it for travel. Here is a pic with the machine in place.

So now that the Brother has a home, it completes my quilting needs. One machine for piecing/embroidering, one for sewing binding/travel/as a backup and one for FMQ'ing.

"The Purpose of 3"

I have tried a new technique, new to me anyway, of spray basting a quilt. The technique is by Patsy Thompson and it is called "wall basting". If you own your home and plan to live there for awhile, here use of ceiling tiles is the way to go.If not, you can do what I did as a renter. I used push pins, in-expensive flannel backed table cloth, and can of 505 for basting. Here's a pic of my wall.

I saw the video on You Tube. Here's the link of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwV8tUkhxUM

Join me in the FMQ Project 2012, hosted by SewCalgal. There will be a different FMQ tutorial each month, presented by different host. If you complete the assignment each month, you will be entered into a drawing. Go over to her site. You can find it here: http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/

I continually increase my stash, whether it is fabric, quilting tools or yarn. I think I need to join Katie in here diet commitment. I scored a Stack N Stitch Thread Tower at JoAnn's, buttons for my neck warmer and a 6x12 cutting mat for my AccuQuilt Go. I receive promotions, not only by snail mail, but email as well. This particular promotion has several coupons. One of which was a 60% off coupon in addition to $ amounts off. I used my coupon plus an additional $10 off. I saved over $30 bucks. Just could let that 60% off go to waste! Here's pic of the neck warmer and thread tower:

"Pardon" the thread snippets on the carpet, right side of the packaging, Works are in Progress!!!

I completed my DeJavu Neck Warmer, made from luscious Malabrigo worsted weight yarn. I can't believe it only took me a week to do! Now my daughter wants me to make her one. Her color choices are black's, grey's and white. I don't know why that child likes those dark colors! 90% of her wardrobe is black, grey, white and occasionally a pop of red. So, I purchased yarn to make her a Thermis Neck Warmer. I will admit, her yarn choice can be machine washed and dried! I don't need her to felt yarn that is a little more costly than big box store yarns. I also completed my "Twist" table topper/wall hanging-still have to add a label, if nothing other than quilt name, my name and a date.

Table topper:

That brings me to what I am working on now. Three knitting projects, Nikki's neck warmer, the Weekend Shawl and the 10 stitch circular blanket. Yes, I said circular! After 3 tries at the rectangular version, I decided the circular one was easier.

Last but not least, I have quilted my Mug Rugs for the swap. Now just need to ad a little binding. I hope to get them out before I head out of town this week. Pics to come soon.

Until next time...........

Rainy Day=Progress

Today, my inspiration is brought to you by a lazy rainy Sunday morning.

On the knitting front:
I decided to update my Ravelry notebook with some recent photos of what I have been working on. I have completed by "Slip Stitch Delight" socks by Terry L. Ross. I do wish I had the ball band for the yarn. I have no idea what yarn it is. I thought is was Socks That Rock light weight. One of my group members told me it wasn't spun tight enough for that yarn. So back in the land of unknown I went. I do like how they turned out!Must admit, I am still slow at knitting socks! Pic of completed socks:



Spinning:
I spun 8 oz of Ms Babs merino/tussah silk/bamboo blend fiber. My initial attempt at plying was very, very loosely plied. I purchased "The Gently Art of Plying" by Judith MacKenzie, after watching, discovered I could reply my fiber. I have to admit, that didn't occur to me! Dah! I don't own a bobbin winder, so I used my trusty B&D drill. It worked like a charm I had 2 bobbins of spun singles I decided to ply together. They are two different colorways, I don't remember where I purchased them from, but I do know they are 100% wool. I REALLY have to work on my documentation! Here are some pics of my process and most recently completed yarn:









Quilting:
I have been a quilter since the late 80's and had not quilted since I started knitting in February 2009. Recently I was bitten by the quilt bug again after listening to a knitting podcaster who also sews and quilts. Soooo, I went to my messy craft room, dug through my "UFO's, pulled out some unfinished tops, found completed blocks that had not been put together and started sewing.

Here are some pics of my finished projects before knitting/spinning took over my life:





Here are some of my UFO's:





An antique quilt and from my Designer SE (Viking) machine astitched embroidery design:


Enough rants for today. I have to now divide my time between three of my favorite creative outlets!!!